2025 NFL Draft: Alabama QB Jalen Milroe Breakdown
If the Eagles could find a way to make it work with Jalen Hurts, there’s no reason why some team couldn’t try to take a similar approach with Jalen Milroe and have success.
The two are similar in size, with Milroe at 6’1½” / 217 lbs and Hurts at 6’1” / 223 lbs. Both rely on their running ability and likely wouldn’t be in the starting-quarterback conversation without it.
But Milroe is far more explosive and electric as a runner. In fact, I’m not sure there’s any quarterback in the NFL, aside from Lamar Jackson, who’s as dynamic on the ground as he is.
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The back half of the first round or early second round should absolutely be in play for Milroe simply based on his potential. And I wouldn’t call a team misguided if they did decide to draft him earlier, similar to what the Colts did with Anthony Richardson two years ago.
If you’re going to take a chance on a player, doing it for someone with extreme talent is the way to go.
This doesn’t mean that I expect a team to take him at the top of the draft or that I think a team should necessarily take that chance. Like most quarterbacks, Milroe will need to have a good team around him to have success. More importantly, he’ll need a system that works specifically for his unique skill set.
In today’s NFL, that’s not as uncommon of a task as it used to be.
And this brings us to that unique skill set, which will absolutely put stress on NFL defenses:
Milroe plays at a different speed than everyone else with a rare combination of quickness and explosion. He will have to be accounted for in the designed run game by defenses:
He’ll be a huge factor in red zone and short-yardage situations. And his scrambling ability on pass plays will keep defensive coordinators up at night:
As a thrower, Milroe also has a strong arm and the ability to attack all areas of the field:
He can be very accurate at times too, especially when he has the opportunity to drill a throw and deliver the ball with conviction as opposed to needing to put some touch on it (more on that below):
You get the point. He’s extremely talented. A physical specimen.
So What?
We’ve seen this type of quarterback enter the NFL, dominate with his legs, but still not lead a consistent offensive attack (Justin Fields and Anthony Richardson are two recent examples that come to mind). So why will Milroe be any different?